Which kind of injunction is temporary and may be granted before a formal hearing?

The correct answer is an interim injunction. This type of injunction is specifically designed to provide immediate relief by preserving the status quo before a formal hearing can take place. The key feature of an interim injunction is that it can be issued quickly and often without having to conduct the full and formal proceedings typical of other injunction types.

Interim injunctions are particularly important in situations where waiting for a final decision might cause harm to a party, making it necessary to act swiftly to avoid irreparable damage. They serve as a temporary measure, allowing the court to impose certain restrictions or protections while the case is still being prepared for a more thorough examination.

Other types of injunctions, such as interlocutory, final, and permanent injunctions, have different applications and characteristics. An interlocutory injunction is a specific kind of temporary injunction issued during the course of ongoing litigation but does not carry the same urgency as an interim injunction. Final and permanent injunctions are issued after a full trial and only after all evidence has been considered, which is different from the nature of an interim injunction, where the decision is made quickly based on initial arguments and potential evidence. Hence, an interim injunction is distinct in its purpose and timing, aligning perfectly with the need for immediate intervention prior to